Paper Talk: Solidarity

Last updated : 14 April 2005 By Wigan Evening Post.
The manager wants everyone to help with the big push whether or not they're currently in the first-team picture.

"I've stressed to the players this is not the time for sulks or to be upset, it's all about us getting over the line," said Jewell.

"The team comes first at the moment and the players do realise that because they're a good, honest bunch who have done wonderfully."

Jewell has put all the squad on alert for the remainder of the season with a Premiership place possibly only four games away.

He used the example of last week's visit to Cardiff when he made three changes to the side to stress that everyone was in his plans.

Jason Jarrett and Steve McMillan both made rare starts while Brett Ormerod was included up front after three substitute appearances.

Jewell said: "This is the time to put personal issues second – for example if they're out of the team or playing out of position.

"All the lads have a part to play whether they are in the starting side, on the bench or even out injured.

"This club is all about positive feelings. If you have negative people who are out of the team, negative people out injured or even negative people in the team, you don't win promotion.

"I look at Chelsea as a good example. For all the superstars they have and the world class manager, they pull together as one, whether it's the 11 on the pitch or the 20 in the squad.

"When it comes to our team, I'm not normally one to make many changes but I did change things at Cardiff and it worked well.

"Gary Teale was a bit unfortunate to be left out but I wanted to get Jason Jarrett into the middle of the park to give us some physical presence.

"We might need to change things again before the end of the season so everyone has to be ready to play if the call comes."

Meanwhile, former Wigan loan player Keith Gillespie is hoping to be fit to return to the Leicester side for the clash with Latics at the Walkers Stadium on Saturday.

Gillespie had two spells with the club, on loan from Manchester United in March 1993 and then from Blackburn at the end of 2000.

The winger missed the Foxes' last match at Brighton with a thigh strain but is keen to be back in action for the weekend.

He said: "There is a lot at stake from the game because we are still a few points from guaranteed safety and Wigan are challenging for honours.

"The first time I was at Wigan they were still playing at Springfield Park but the second time around, they had moved into their new stadium and had strong financial backing – it's been a huge turnaround.

"They are flying high and obviously it will be a difficult game for us because they have got one eye on automatic promotion.

"Everyone talks about the Wigan strikers but it goes deeper than that in their squad.

"They are a hard working team and their midfielders have been weighing in with a goal as well."

* Queues formed outside the JJB yesterday when tickets for the away game at Preston on April 30 went on sale.

The 3,500 allocation are on sale to season tickets holders until the QPR game a week on Saturday, after which they go on general release.